Way back, the Ok-pop elders foretold a prophecy: “Behold! No matter their sound or picture, each fifth technology boy group shall get their swag on for one tuneless, out-of-character chant-fest.” As an modification to their proclamation, the sensible elders added: “Concern not, lovers of vibrant, melodic ideas. This hip-hoppery shall solely be a pre-release.”

RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, TWS, BOYNEXTDOOR… they’ve all succumbed to the hip-hop pre-release prophecy. Now, it’s AHOF’s flip with Sugar Excessive. To be truthful, iterations of this group have already carried out this model of track on the sequence (Universe League) that fashioned them. And so as to add a little bit of positivity to this pattern I’ve grown to love (typically even love) these tracks by RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, TWS and BOYNEXTDOOR. However for no matter cause Sugar Excessive feels particularly jarring. Possibly it’s as a result of the track is SO devoid of the group’s standard character. It’s additionally burdened by a refrain that’s much more annoying than their friends’ output. That is the type of refrain that feels just like the songwriters merely gave up. Possibly they ran out of time within the recording studio? Regardless of the case, I discover the sound of Ok-pop boys chant-screaming in unison uniquely annoying and AHOF are unable to beat that hurdle.

The unhappy factor is, there’s one thing to be stated for Sugar Excessive‘s verses. They’ve bought a satisfying bounce and lead right into a so-so pre-chorus that — on the very least — attracts upon AHOF’s abilities. However actually, there’s no salvaging the track’s unlovable, obnoxious refrain. I get that businesses need to present numerous sides of their artists within the hope of attracting new followers, however I can’t think about anybody listening to this and eager to hearken to extra. The upcoming title observe higher be a return to type as a result of I’m going to strive my greatest to fake this track doesn’t exist.

Grade: F